It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother Marlene Case Almquist on the 8th of December 2022 at 91 years of age. She was born February 1931 to Frank and Flora Case of Fillmore at the Santa Paula maternity home. During the Great Depression they lived in in Oakview and nearly every corner of Ventura County, later moving to Ventura for good. Whether she was twirling on the bars at the Ojai Elementary school, packing lemons for Sunkist at age 14, or getting in trouble for giggling and speaking pig latin with her friends while working at the Library at age 16, she was not only fun, but, a hard working and proud 3rd generation Californian.
After graduating Ventura High School, she met and married the handsome WWII Veteran, Donald Mueting (deceased August 2022). Both avid dancers, they spent many happy days doing the jitter bug at the local county dance halls or sometimes in the living room! Marlene began working at the Bank of America downtown where she made many friends with colleagues and customers alike. She and Don had, and are survived by, two daughters, Jan Mueting of Monrovia, CA and Lynn Mueting currently living in the United Kingdom. Though their marriage lasted only 15 years, they remained friends throughout their lives. Marlene went on to marry again and continued working in the banking industry at Security Bank and later began bookkeeping with the Sierra Roofing Company, eventually retiring from a Civil Service position with the US Navy Port Hueneme.
What we and most people will remember about our mother, Marlene, is her sharp wit and hearty laughter. She also loved to sing and did so on many occasions. For a short while she sang with a small trio of friends, later she joined the Sweet Adelines choral group. Because she was a proud Ventura Californian, she also belonged to the Native Daughters of the Golden West.
Her last days were challenging but still found her in good spirits, laughing and smiling. Her death was unexpected but peaceful. Marlene was preceded in death by her brother Robert E. Case. She is survived not only by her children, but her sister Sue-Ellen Case of Bainbridge Island, WA. We are all heart broken by her sudden departure, but for those who knew her, there is bound to be an abundance of smiles accompanying the memories of her. There will be a small graveside service at Bardsdale Cemetery for family only. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Museum of Ventura County.